Staff of Ballydowd School with Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools and Minister Josepha Madigan
On Tuesday the 11th of July, Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) and Tusla – Child and Family Agency jointly unveiled a Home Economics classroom and a Barista training room at the Ballydowd Special Care Unit and school in South Dublin. The event was marked by the visit of Josepha Madigan, Minister of State at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion. Minister Madigan unveiled the new home economics class and Barista room as part of a range of new developments in the Ballydowd school.
Based on the Ballydowd campus, the Ballydowd school provides a well-resourced, welcoming, and comfortable learning environment. The education team employs individualised planning to reflect each students’ abilities, and students are motivated and encouraged to engage or re-engage with their education in an inclusive and caring environment, as noted in a recent Department of Education Inspection of the school.
Minister Madigan said, “I am delighted to officially open the new home economics class and barista training room in Ballydowd Special Care School. I am hugely impressed by the students and their work. The student-centred approach and excellent teaching and learning provided by dedicated staff is certainly evident in their achievements. It is very important that we support the engagement of all young people in education with high quality programmes delivered in a positive and inclusive environment, providing them with a pathway for their future.”
“The new home economics room has been designed to broaden and enhance the curriculum-based learning that the children receive. It will provide students with an opportunity to further develop practical food and health literacy skills, which promote healthy lifestyle choices and helps them to make informed decisions that can positively impact their health and wellbeing.
“In addition to the educational aspects of these new facilities in Ballydowd, they also provide a space for young people to engage in activities which help to further develop essential life skills and a positive self-image. As an example, a young person might make use of the new facilities to bake a birthday cake for a family member. This might seem like a simple act, but the depth of the learning and the impact of the process can be quite profound. I want to thank the staff, and importantly, the students, for their work in bringing these new facilities to fruition.” added Paul Sloan, the school’s Principal.
Minister Josepha Madigan and Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools DDLETB at Balllydowd
Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools for DDLETB stated, “Education is a key aspect of care, and every time a young person enters the school in Ballydowd, it paves the way for great things to happen. This is all down to the hard work and willingness of students to engage with the educational opportunities that are offered.”
A new Barista facility was also unveiled, and much like the home economics room, the Barista facility has functions that can extend far beyond those of your average coffee shop.
“On the surface, just like with any coffee shop, it provides a place for young people and staff to socialise, work or relax while enjoying a hot drink. However, the benefits for the young people go beyond this, with opportunities to improve their social skills, practical and educational benefits, and an informal place to relax on the campus.” added Nichola Spokes.
Loughlinstown Student Chosen As Representative For Sergent Shriver Global Messenger. (SSGM)
/in Corporate News, Front Page News /by Jennifer FarleyWe are delighted to share some fantastic news from Margaret Turley. Margaret is currently working towards Spreadsheet Methods L4 and Challenging Discrimination L3 qualifications, and Personal Decision Making with the DDLETB Adult Education Service based in Loughlinstown Training Centre.
Margaret has been chosen as Sargent Shriver Global Messenger. This prestigious role is awarded to Special Olympics athlete leaders. These spokespeople for the movement lead the campaign for a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their participation and leadership at global, regional, and local events—both internal and external to the Special Olympics Movement—they challenge the mindsets of political leaders, policy makers, educators, employers, and society.
Read on to find out more about Margaret.
Congratulations to Margaret on this wonderful achievement!
Margaret Turley With Special Olympics Team Ireland
Today Is We Are DDLETB Day!
/in Corporate News, Front Page News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyToday, 30th November, we are celebrating “We Are DDLETB Day!”
Follow along on social media as we celebrate the MASSIVE and enthusiastic participation of our primary and secondary schools, are colleges and centres of further education.
DDLETB is a vibrant community of learners, educators and support staff.
Our community’s spirit will be shining brightly on social media platforms today as schools and centers join the celebration. The hashtag #WeareDDLETB and #Teamddletb will be used for members to share photos, stories, messages and videos. The online buzz is not only for our immediate community but also to extend our reach to a wider audience and let people know We Are DDLETB.
DDLETB Social Media Buzz
Follow us on:
We are using the hashtags: #We Are DDLETB #Teamddletb
DDLETB Creative Events
During the day, we are delighted to share fantastic highlights. We’re looking forward to an inspiring day dedicated to celebrating our community, acknowledging the collective efforts of our team, and showcasing the incredible diversity within our many schools, centres, colleges, and facilities.
A special commendation goes to the schools that organised learner competitions, staff coffee mornings, and wear green events—the latter being a great nod to our favourite colour. These initiatives not only added a fun and engaging element to the celebration but also highlighted the unique character of each school and centre within our organisation.
Our commitment to community engagement is evident as schools and centres share valuable information about DDLETB, its mission, and the significance of being part of our community. This outreach to students, parents, and the wider community served to strengthen the bonds that unite us.
Gratitude to our DDLETB Communications, Digital and Social Media Team
A heartfelt thank you goes to our DDLETB Communications, Digital and Social Media Team for their creative efforts in organising this event. A very special appreciation for the Digital and Social Media leads in our schools and centres. Your dedication and commitment were instrumental in bringing this event to life and your contributions are a testament to the collaborative spirit we value here at DDLETB.
Thank you all for making this event fun and successful.
We will continue to foster connections, celebrate achievements and build a community that thrives on collaboration, respect, equality, support, excellence and professionalism.
Check out our social media @ddletb for all the updates.
New Developments at Ballydowd Special Care Unit
/in Corporate News, Front Page News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyStaff of Ballydowd School with Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools and Minister Josepha Madigan
On Tuesday the 11th of July, Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) and Tusla – Child and Family Agency jointly unveiled a Home Economics classroom and a Barista training room at the Ballydowd Special Care Unit and school in South Dublin. The event was marked by the visit of Josepha Madigan, Minister of State at the Department of Education with special responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion. Minister Madigan unveiled the new home economics class and Barista room as part of a range of new developments in the Ballydowd school.
Based on the Ballydowd campus, the Ballydowd school provides a well-resourced, welcoming, and comfortable learning environment. The education team employs individualised planning to reflect each students’ abilities, and students are motivated and encouraged to engage or re-engage with their education in an inclusive and caring environment, as noted in a recent Department of Education Inspection of the school.
Minister Madigan said, “I am delighted to officially open the new home economics class and barista training room in Ballydowd Special Care School. I am hugely impressed by the students and their work. The student-centred approach and excellent teaching and learning provided by dedicated staff is certainly evident in their achievements. It is very important that we support the engagement of all young people in education with high quality programmes delivered in a positive and inclusive environment, providing them with a pathway for their future.”
“In addition to the educational aspects of these new facilities in Ballydowd, they also provide a space for young people to engage in activities which help to further develop essential life skills and a positive self-image. As an example, a young person might make use of the new facilities to bake a birthday cake for a family member. This might seem like a simple act, but the depth of the learning and the impact of the process can be quite profound. I want to thank the staff, and importantly, the students, for their work in bringing these new facilities to fruition.” added Paul Sloan, the school’s Principal.
Minister Josepha Madigan and Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools DDLETB at Balllydowd
Nichola Spokes, Director of Schools for DDLETB stated, “Education is a key aspect of care, and every time a young person enters the school in Ballydowd, it paves the way for great things to happen. This is all down to the hard work and willingness of students to engage with the educational opportunities that are offered.”
A new Barista facility was also unveiled, and much like the home economics room, the Barista facility has functions that can extend far beyond those of your average coffee shop.
“On the surface, just like with any coffee shop, it provides a place for young people and staff to socialise, work or relax while enjoying a hot drink. However, the benefits for the young people go beyond this, with opportunities to improve their social skills, practical and educational benefits, and an informal place to relax on the campus.” added Nichola Spokes.
An Exciting Day for Coláiste Cois Life
/in Corporate News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleySimon Harris visiting Colaiste Cois Life DDLETB
Labhair an tAire um Bhreidoideachas & Ardoideachas, Simon Harris i gColáiste Cois Life ar Chéadaoin 23 Lúnasa nuair bhí ionad traenála nua á sheoladh aige ar son an Ionad Traenála Naisiúnta Mount Lucas.
Baineann an t-ionad seo le cúrsaí tógála agus iarfheistiú tithíochta agus d’fhreastail ranganna Staidéar Foirgníochta CCL ar an ionad i rith na bliana seo caite. Thug scoláirí na scoile taispeántas don Aire faoin na scileanna agus saineolas atá acu ar an ábhar seo. An-jab déanta acu uile.
Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science visited Coláiste Cois Life on Wednesday 23rd August, where he launched a new mobile training unit. This will travel around the country and aims to increase accessibility to construction-related and retrofitting courses.
The mobile Nearly Zero-Emission Building (NZEB) unit will be used to visit schools and construction sites. Construction Studies students from Coláiste Cois Life were among the first second level students in the country to visit the Mount Lucas, National Construction Training Campus last year.
Visit their website https://colaistecoislife.ie/ and follow them on social media to keep up-to-date with all the news.
Want To Get Your DDLETB School Involved With Debating & Chess?
/in Corporate News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB Inter-Schools Debating
This year will see our DDLETB Inter-Schools debating competition rolled out to both junior and senior level. The competition was a huge success with junior level last year and we look forward to welcoming senior level debaters this year.
The programme will run through-out the year and the final will take place at DDLETB Head Office in April. If your school is interested in taking part, please contact janetmurphy@ddeltb.ie or hannahoconnor@ardgillancc.ie as soon as possible.
DDLETB Inter-Schools Chess Tournament
We are delighted to announce that 2023-2024 will also host our first DDLETB Inter-Schools Chess Tournament. Our team of organisers are already up and running so get in touch asap if your school would like to get involved contact janetmurphy@ddletb.ie or ronanward@griffeencc.ie
DDLETB Chess and Debating Tournaments
Lá na nGaelcholáistí – DDLETB
/in Corporate News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyLa na nGaelcholaisti DDLETB
Lá na nGaelcholáistí
Bhí teacht le chéile ag Gaelcholáistí agus Aonad an BOOÁCDL ar an 26 Lúnasa ag cur tús don bhliain acadúil 23/24. Tháinig baill foirne ón gcúig scoil ar fad le chéile san Óstán Plaza i dTamhlacht faoin téama ‘ag cur le Teagasc agus Foghlaim i Suíomh Lán-Ghaeilge.’
Bhí atmaisféar fuinniúil, spleodrach, gaelach le brath ann agus tugadh seans do na múinteoirí ar fad plé faoi na dea-chleachtais atá i bhfeidhm acu agus na dúshláin ar leith atá rompu.
Thosaigh an ócáid le fáilte ón stiúrthóir scoile Adrian Flynn. Bhí cuir i láthair againn ó mhuintir COGG, Gean Gilger ón ETBI agus Cormac Breathnach ó Foclóir.ie. Bhí an Dr. Sarah NÍ Dhuinnín (Ollscoil Luimnigh) mar phríomhchainteoir againn ag plé cúrsaí FCÁT agus bhí straitéisí thar a bheith tairbheach aici don seomra ranga. Bhí cuir i láthair iontacha i measc ár scoileanna féin. Rinne Ciarán Ó Caomhánaigh (Gaelcholáiste Reachrann) plé faoi mheasúnaithe neamhfhoirmiúla sa seomra ranga. Bhí cur i láthair ag Mhairéad Ní Mhathúna (Coláiste Chilliain) ar an bplean feabhsúcháin scoile atá dírithe ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa scoil.
Rinne Edel Ní Arrachtáin (Coláiste de hÍde) cur i láthair ar bhuíon teagaisc agus bhí plé faoi thogra TEG san Idirbhliain ag Ciarán Ó Conghaile (Coláiste Cois Life). Chríochnaigh Evelyn Ní Raghaill (Coláiste na Tulchann) le seisiún ar bhogearraí aistriúcháin Matecat chomh maith le aiseolas ar an lá.
Bhí lá iontach rathúil againn agus táimid ag súil go mór leis an gcéad teacht le chéile againn arís. ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’
La na nGaelcholaisti DDLETB meeting Plaza Hotel Tallaght
The four Gaelcholáistí and the Aonad within the DDLETB had a networking day on the 26th August as part of the start to the academic year 23/24 in the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght.
The theme of the day was ‘developing teaching and learning in an all-Irish language context.’ There was an energetic and exuberant atmosphere to be felt on the day and an opportunity was given to all teachers to discuss their good practices in place as well as the challenges they are facing.
The occasion started with a welcome from the Director of Schools Adrian Flynn. There were presentations from COGG, Gean Gilger; ETBI and Cormac Breathnach from Foclóir.ie. Dr. Sarah Ní Dhuinnín was our keynote speaker and she discussed CLIL and she had some excellent examples for the class room.
There were some fantastic presentations from our own schools. Ciarán Ó Caomhánaigh (Gaelcholáiste Reachrann) discussed informal assessment in the class room. Mairéad Ní Mhathúna (Coláiste Chilliain) had a presentation on the school’s improvement plan that prioritised the use of the Irish Language in the school. Edel Ní Arrachtáin (Coláiste de hÍde) presented on team teaching while Ciarán Ó Conghaile (Coláiste Cois Life) discussed the advantages of using TEG (Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge) with their Transition Years. Evelyn Ní Raghaill (Coláiste na Tulchann) finished the day with a session on Matecat, a new translation software and continued with a short feedback exercise.
The day was extremely successful and we look forward to the next occasion, ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile.’
Learners From South East Adult Education Service Visit National Botanical Gardens & Arboretum, Wicklow
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyA Visit To The National Botanical Gardens & Arboretum
DDLETB Adult Education Service Trip To National Botanic Gardens, Wicklow
We hired a bus, loaded it up with supplies, newspapers, worksheets, frozen water (it was really, really hot) coffee, tea, cakes and a picnic lunch and 3 tutors joined the students. Once we arrived we enjoyed coffee and cakes before the tour.
DDLETB Adult Education Service Trip To National Botanic Gardens Wicklow
The quiz and prize giving of plants (we had two joint first prizes, three joint second prizes, and four joint third prizes) was wonderful with lots of laughter and appreciation. Everyone went home thrilled from the day and looked very happy.’
DDLETB Adult Education Service Trip To National Botanic Gardens
Find The Right Course For You With DDLETB
/in Corporate News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyCongratulations to all the recent school leavers who’ve recently completed their Leaving Certificate! Your journey of lifelong learning is just beginning, and DDLETB is here to offer you exciting opportunities in further education and training. Use our course finder to search for the course you are interested in pursuing.
Whether you’re in Balbriggan, Dún Laoghaire, Lucan, or any of the 26 locations around Dublin County, we’ve got your learning needs covered. Our courses are designed to equip you with real-world skills that matter, whether you’re stepping into the professional world for the first time or looking to enhance your expertise.
But it’s not just for our fresh-faced learners – adults seeking to enhance their skill sets or change career paths are also welcomed with open arms. DDLETB’s commitment to fostering growth and development knows no age limits. It’s never too late to invest in yourself and achieve those long-held ambitions.
Curious to find the perfect program that aligns with your interests and aspirations? Use our course finder to search for the right course for you. Your educational journey is unique, and our diverse offerings ensure there’s something tailor-made for every learner.
Learn Achieve Succeed.
Well Done To All Of Our Leaving Cert Learners!
/in Corporate News /by Jennifer FarleyReduced Fees For PLC Courses For Academic Year 2023 – 2024
/in Corporate News, Home page main post /by Jennifer FarleyDDLETB Reduced Fees For PLC Course in Academic Year 2023 – 2024.
Opportunities For School Leavers!
In response to the cost of living crisis, we are implementing a significant reduction in fees for all domestic students undertaking a Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course in the upcoming academic year 2023 – 2024. All fees, excluding a nominal registration fee of no more than €50 will be waived.
Visit our Course Finder.
Not sure what to do next? Take some time out to plan for your future.
DDLETB is here to support you in building a solid foundation for your future. Take this opportunity to explore your options, discover your potential, and plan for a successful future.
Building gateways to new opportunities.
Further Education & Training courses are your gateway to exciting new opportunities. Our latest initiative ensures that you can embark on a course without worrying about the cost. Now is your chance to embrace a hands-on learning experience, gain practical skills, and pave the way to a promising future.
Discover your talents. Be yourself. Be the best that you can be.
Our Further Education & Training Colleges offer a huge range of courses. You can fully immerse yourself in exploring your passions, developing your skills, and unleashing your true potential. Visit our Course Finder to help you take the next step in your education.
Learn with DDLETB
We have Further Education & Training opportunities throughout County Dublin in your community.
Dundrum College of Further Education
Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute
Sallynoggin College of Further Education
Stillorgan College of Further Education
Deansrath Community College, Clondalkin
Grange Community College, Dublin 13
Greenhills Community College
St. Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin
DDLETB 1 DDLETB Zero Fees Web Flyer